Senate committee blasts ARTC for lack of Inland rail community consultations in north east

Mr Campbell told senators at that committee that consultation would improve in north-east Victoria.

Mr Campbell said the same thing at a Federal Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Reference Committee hearing on April 22.

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At this hearing Mr Campbell confirmed that ARTC's initial plan for Benalla, and other towns along the north-east line, were based on engineers’ ideas, not community engagement.

He confirmed the initial idea, for a new massive overpass, was decided some seven or eight years ago, prior to any type of community engagement.

Ms McKenzie pressed Mr Campbell for an idea of when he discovered that community expectations were not aligned with building a new overpass in Benalla.

“I was made aware of that probably late last year, I can’t remember exactly, but about September or October,” Mr Campbell said.

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“I think, in those different communities (along the north-east line), we’ve consulted over a long period of time, in different ways.

“Some of that consultation has undoubtedly been very successful, other areas particularly where people have strong views about one solution or another, often people will say that they’ve not been consulted with, and that may be the case.

“I would also argue from time to time that people want you to take a certain point of view, which is their view . . .”

Ms McKenzie interrupted Mr Campbell at this point.

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“I’m very aware of that,” Ms McKenzie said.

“But my question to you Mr Campbell is, it sounds like you’re actually blaming the local residents?”

Mr Campbell said that was not the case, with Ms McKenzie following up to ask if he was willing to take responsibility for the communities’ perceived lack of real consultation.

“I think we take full responsibility,” he said.

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“At the end of the day we’re here to deliver the inland rail program . . . We are trying to deliver it on time and on budget . . .

“And we have to make decisions along the way in consultation with asset owners and the community.

“I think what we need to do when we get feedback that people are not feeling consulted, is to consult more and to understand why they feel that way.”

Better Benalla Rail member David Moore said one thing that would assist the community in feeling involved in the process would be if ARTC released its costings for the two proposed ideas - as well as concept drawings.

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The Ensign requested both this week, however, ARTC replied with a statement from a spokesperson, without any of that information.

“The Australian Rail Track Corporation continues to consult with the community in Benalla,” the spokesperson said.

“The Benalla Working Group met on May 3 and the Group endorsed the Urban Design Framework objectives relevant for Benalla.

“ARTC continued its consultation with a community information session on May 6, where community members could speak with our planning and approvals team.

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“Our pop-up shop continues every Monday and Thursday at 50 Nunn St, Benalla, and community members are welcome to come and speak with our team and find out more about the project.

“ARTC has outlined its intent to provide rough costings against each of the options and their designs for indicative purposes.

“It is envisaged this could be available later this year.

“Final costings will not be known until all contracts have been awarded.”

With Mr Campbell confirming the overpass idea has been on the table for eight years it is still unclear why any designs are yet to be shared with the community.

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“What I'd like to see from ARTC, if they are honest about engaging with the community, is the costings for both options and concept drawings,” Mr Moore said.

“We have never understood why they have consistently refused to show those to the community.”

With regards to Mr Campbell and having to tell a second Federal Senate Committee hearing that he will improve consultation in Benalla, Mr Moore said he was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.

“Mark Campbell is a new CEO, so I wont judge him on what ARTC have done in the past,” Mr Moore said.

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“But I'll say this. He's going to be in Benalla next month I know he's planning to meet the mayor.

“If he's fair dinkum he will meet with members of BBR, it's time we had a seat at the table.

“If Mr Campbell wants to be open and transparent with the community we are happy to meet him any time, any place.

“We need more than for ARTC so say, ‘trust us, it will all be okay'.”

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Mr Moore said the next step for BBR was to attempt to arrange a meeting with the Victorian Government.

“We've contacted the State Minister for Planning, Mr Richard Wynne, with a letter supporting council's decision, calling on him to refuse to give them an exemption from local planning regulations.

“We have also contacted State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes, and hope to be able to meet with her, too.

“One thing is for sure, we are not giving up.”

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